Whether we are cutting grape vines or cutting open a package of chicken, it is great to be able to put these in the dishwasher to clean. You can take them apart before putting in the dishwasher to get all the crevices clean also. Every kitchen should have a pair of these.

I asked my local store about kitchen shears. They said they didn't carry them outside of a knife set. I was very pleased to find these available the next time I went in. I was less than pleased, however, the first time I tried to use them.

These shears are certainly tough enough to to the job, but the joint is poorly engineered. I understand that they come apart to facilitate cleaning, but they should absolutely not come apart in your hand while you're trying to use them.

When they don't come completely apart, the two pieces that comprise the joint snag on each other and prevent the blades from closing.